OMSI Science Pub

in McMinnville

with

Ken Niles & Dirk Dunning, Oregon Department of Energy

About ”Hanford Hazards: Cleaning Up Nuclear Waste”

Established in 1943 as part of the Manhatten Project, the Hanford
Nuclear Site is a mostly decommissioned nuclear production complex on
the Columbia River. The site has an interesting history including its
selection during World War II, its operations during the war, and
expansions into and through the Cold War. As the site transitions from
plutonium production to clean up, learn about the extent of
contamination at cleanup and the progress and challenges that remain,
including the 56 million gallons of high-level waste and a confirmed
leak from the inner shell of one of Hanford’s double-shell tanks.

Ken
Niles is the Administrator of the Oregon Department of Energy’s Nuclear
Safety and Energy Emergency Preparedness Division. Ken manages Oregon’s
involvement in cleanup at the Hanford Nuclear Site, the safe transport
of radioactive materials through Oregon, and emergency preparedness in
the event of a nuclear accident. Ken joined the Oregon Department of
Energy in July 1989. Prior to that, he spent 11 years as a broadcast
news reporter, working in both radio and television. A native Oregonian,
Ken earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Oregon State
College in March 1992.

Dirk Dunning is part of the technical
staff for the Oregon Department of Energy’s Nuclear Safety and Energy
Emergency Preparedness Division. He provides expert technical reviews of
Hanford cleanup proposals and activities. Dirk joined the Department in
1993. Prior to that, he was a licensed Nuclear Power Engineer for
Westinghouse and Manager of Chemical Operations for Fairchild
Semiconductor. A native Washingtonian, Dirk graduated from Oregon State
University with a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Chemical
Engineering and is a registered Professional Chemical Engineer in the
State of Oregon.

About OMSI Science Pub

Come out for food, beer, and a healthy dose of scientific knowledge! Come early to secure your seats and order up your food and drinks before the presentation begins.